Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Job Summary :

Under general supervision, perform routine and highly specialized diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiology procedures on members following established parameters / protocols for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. Assist in maintaining a smooth operational flow and maximum member volume. The cardiovascular-interventional technologist assumes many roles within an interventional procedure. Cardiovascular-interventional technologists : Scrub in and assist the physician in the surgical procedure. Circulate within the procedure room and procure all equipment needed for any given procedure. Position the member, select radiation exposure parameters and image the member. Maintain a high degree of accuracy and an awareness of all radiation and member safety issues involved with any invasive procedure. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and working knowledge of normal anatomy, abnormal anatomy and physiology, radiation safety, interventional supplies and equipment operation. Recognize and resolve equipment operations. Recognize and resolve equipment problems and discrepancies anticipate member needs and concerns and determine the appropriate care needed. Use professional judgment and critical thinking when performing procedures.

Essential Responsibilities :

• This position, knows and complies with all Kaiser Permanente quality, safety, and emergency policies and procedures. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice in every interaction with patients, colleagues, providers, and leadership. Ensures patient safety in the preparation and provisioning of care related to but not limited to medications, procedures, infection prevention, fall prevention, including consistent use of two patient identifiers and procedural time outs. Reports safety hazards, accidents and incidents, and unsafe working conditions promptly.
• Operates angiography equipment and applies ionizing radiation to the member in accordance with standard operating procedures, departmental policies, procedures / protocols and as appropriate for the particular member.
• Positions members and moves and or assists members onto table. Provides for the members comfort during the procedures.
• Performs angiography and digital subtraction angiography procedures, utilizing image-guided surgical procedures, sterile technique and radiographic technique.
• Operates laser imagers, and Radiographic / Fluoroscopic equipment to obtain radiographic images. Critiques radiographs for quality and accuracy. Selects and films images for permanent member record.
• Provides radiation protection in accordance with regulations. Selects accurate technical factors on an individual member basis.
• Reviews history and pertinent films with Interventional Radiologist or Cardio-Vascular Surgeon to assure appropriate application of procedure. Discusses plan and equipment necessary for the procedure.
• Assists physicians with specialized diagnostic and interventional procedures by handling equipment, preparing procedure and instrument trays, prepping and explaining procedures to members and other related tasks under the supervision of a Radiologist. May include the insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) with certification and documented training.
• Sets up and maintains a sterile field by using sterile technique; opens sterile procedures trays where applicable.
• In conjunction with the RNs and Interventional Radiologist or Cardio-Vascular Surgeons, monitors member condition throughout the procedure. Uses EKG equipment, Intravenous pumps, Blood Pressure equipment, pulse oximeter and related routine equipment to maintain continuous member care while member is undergoing procedure.
• Prepares radiopaque materials for administration by Interventional Radiologist or Cardio-Vascular Surgeon. Opens contrast material, maintaining integrity of the sterile syringes, needles, and draws-up contrast for injection in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Assists Interventional Radiologist or Cardio-Vascular Surgeon with administration of radiopaque materials by setting volume and flow rates.
• Cleans and disinfects angiography equipment and procedure room. Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems, i.e. laser imagers and film processors.
• Records member data as required in health record, including appropriate ICD-9 and CPT codes, as appropriate.
• Reviews requests daily for Interventional procedures and assists in prioritizing for a smooth workflow.
• Communicates effectively with members, nurses, and physicians, particularly regarding information on angiography procedures requiring specialized member preparation.
• Communicates, and assists the Interventional Radiologist or Cardio-Vascular Surgeon in developing and modifying angiography / interventional practices / procedures.
• Handles telephone inquiries regarding physician and / or member information relative to angiography procedures in an effective and appropriate manner. Performs miscellaneous clerical functions, as needed.
• Assists in maintaining correct inventory.
• Other duties as assigned.
• In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental / organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our s, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.

Basic Qualifications : Experience

• One (1) year of recent, dedicated experience with interventional radiological procedures required.

Education

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a Radiologic Technology training program approved by the American Medical Association.

License, Certification, Registration

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Vascular Interventional Radiography from American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements :

• May require heavy lifting-50-100 pounds of force occasionally, and / or 25-50 pounds of force frequently, and / or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical demand requirement are in excess of those for medium work.
• Ability to wear 10-15 pound lead aprons.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, customer focus abilities and the ability to understand Kaiser Permanente customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Certification in Vascular-Interventional Radiography preferred.